With the guidance of WWE Performance Center staff and “WWE NXT” head booker Shawn Michaels, Izzi Dame has successfully transitioned from the volleyball court to the skilled wrestling ring. It’s her Culling stablemate Shawn Spears, though, that has helped her truly shine.
“From day one, even before The Culling was even a thought, me and him just really clicked,” Dame told “Going Ringside.” “He has brought me a lot knowledge, a lot wisdom inside and out of doors of the ring as a friend, as a mentor, as a coach. He has really been my rock throughout this complete process. I even have to provide him a lot credit because he really has been my person throughout this whole thing. Without him, I really don’t think that I’d have gotten to the purpose that I’m at today.”
In line with Dame, considered one of the largest challenges of her move to the squared circle, specifically WWE, was balancing her life on the road as a WWE Superstar and private life at home. After receiving candid advice from WWE veteran and 14-time world champion Charlotte Flair, she realized that the 2 often mix together.
“I used to be like, ‘How do you balance the work-home life?’ [Flair] told me, ‘You do not. That is your life now. You could have to make that selection. It is a sacrifice to be on this industry.’ And I used to be like, ‘Yeah, right. I will be advantageous.’ Boy, was she right. This really does eat your entire life, and truthfully, I would not have it another way. That is so fun.”
Currently, Dame reigns because the NXT North American Champion, having unseated Thea Hail just a few weeks ago on “NXT.” Later this week, she’s going to defend her title against Hail and Lola Vice in a triple threat, likely with Spears and fellow Culling member Niko Vance in her corner.
In case you use any of the quotes in this text, please credit “Going Ringside” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.